Borussia Dortmund host Werder Bremen at the Signal Iduna Park for the second time this month, as the sides renew hostilities in the DFB-Pokal for their latest encounter.
The Bundesliga rivals previously met on 9 October at the same venue for their first league meeting of the season, which ended 2-2 after Bremen's last surge.
Although Dortmund are the favorites to progress into the Round of 16 of the cup, they wouldn't underestimate their rivals after the last clash.
Here are three players they should particularly keep an eye on:
1) Niclas Fullkrug
We start with the most potent star from Werder Bremen right now, the in-form Niclas Fullkrug. The German international has scored in his last six consecutive appearances and has totalled a staggering nine goals in all competitions, including against Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
A former BVB player, Fullkrug is currently in the form of his life and Bremen will be relying on him to produce the goods upfront once more. Last time out in Dortmund, he endured a quiet game until stoppage-time when he caught the Black and Yellow napping and connected with a free-kick for a free header beyond Gregor Kobel for 2-2.
Niko Kovac's side must ensure he's never left unchecked to avoid a repeat of the same.
2) Marco Grull
While Niclas Fullkrug has been their chief goalscoring outlet, Marco Grull has been their chief goal supplier, bagging eight assists from eight matches this season, including one in the DFB-Pokal in the first round against LSK Hansa.
The Austrian is proficient at finding teammates with line-breaking passes and is known to make exceptional crosses. Dortmund cannot let him enjoy much time or space on the ball, whilst also marking him closely every time Grull finds territory in attacking areas.
3) Marco Friedl
A centre-back by trade, Marco Friedl is vital to building attacking momentum from the back with his exceptional passing range. In fact, his success rate of 92.95% in the Bundesliga ranks among the top 10 players in the competition right now and Bremen could play him again tomorrow.
Besides, the defender also has the tedency to charge out of his line and prance forward, which makes him especially dangerous in transitions. Friedl has made 215 intensive runs in the league, a testament to his energy and fearlessness, on and off the ball. Dortmund's midfield could have their hands full against him. Keeping him quiet would significantly debilitate their offensive vanguard.
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